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Table of contents

Inside sales representative resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your inside sales representative resume
How to write an inside sales representative resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your inside sales representative resume
Frequently asked question about resume writing

You could sell wood to a forest. But can you see the forest for the trees when it comes to your resume?

If you aren’t having luck finding a new job in the competitive inside sales industry, it might be that your resume isn’t selling you. To land a choice role, you’ll need a resume that makes you stand out from the competition.

But how do you get started?

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume for your career in sales and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive inside sales resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to find:

Strong examples of inside sales resumes for applicants with and without experience.
What makes an inside sales resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing your resume, including how to study an inside sales job description for resume keywords.
What to include in every section of your inside sales resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Ready to write an inside sales resume now? Use our professional AI Resume Builder for step-by-step help writing every section.

Inside sales representative resume examples

Entry-level inside sales representative resume example

Resume entry level inside sales representative

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What makes this a great entry-level inside sales representative resume sample:

Simple but impactful template
This resume features a resume template that is perfect for sales — neatly organized, simple and stylish. It catches the eye while still allowing the applicant’s career achievements to be the star of the show.
Uses numerical data
This resume shows that even candidates with limited work experience can use numbers to show off the scope of their work.
Multiple skills sections
Since she has limited work experience, this applicant goes big on skills, featuring them in two separate sections of her resume. This shows employers at-a-glance that she has what it takes to perform the role.

Experienced inside sales representative resume example

Resume experienced example inside sales representative

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What makes this a great experienced inside sales representative resume sample:

Choice of resume format
This applicant has a long work history in sales, which is why choosing a chronological resume format is a smart choice. This format allows work history and career progression to take center stage.
Uses data and metrics
This candidate uses numbers throughout the resume to show off the scale and impact of his work. This demonstrates to employers that his skills and experience translate into quantifiable achievements.
Use of special sections
In competitive fields like sales, having certifications can set you apart from the competition. Adding them to your resume under a dedicated header helps them stand out to employers.

Choose the right resume format for your inside sales representative resume

To land the inside sales representative job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By choosing the resume format that puts your most impressive credentials front and center.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

The chronological resume format is perfect for applicants with little to no direct work experience as an inside sales representative.
The combination resume format is great for midlevel applicants who have a few years of work experience in inside sales.
The functional resume format works best for experienced inside sales professionals who have five or more years of relevant experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to pick your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your inside sales representative resume

Create your resume

While every resume will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your inside sales resume by selecting the right resume template.

While there are many different resume designs, if you’re applying for sales roles at different types of companies, a versatile simple resume template may be the way to go. Its minimalist design makes your skills and experience the star of the show over fussy design elements.

For a more colorful resume, try a creative or modern resume. These have more personality and are suitable for less conservative workplaces.

Now let’s dive into the writing process.

How to write an inside sales representative resume in 5 simple steps

Writing a great resume will set you apart as a top candidate for competitive inside sales representative jobs. The key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the role you seek. Let’s break down how to accomplish this, step by step.

Step 1

Study the inside sales representative job description

An inside sales representative’s resume should be crafted to incorporate relevant keywords that demonstrate to potential employers your suitability for the role. Why is this crucial?

Many employers utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through resumes, filtering out candidates who don’t meet the specified criteria. If your resume lacks the necessary keywords, it may get screened out before a human even reviews it. To optimize your resume for an ATS, it’s essential to align it with the inside sales representative job description, thereby enhancing your prospects of securing a job interview.

But how do you identify the right keywords? Don’t fret — it’s straightforward.

While each inside sales representative position is unique, a well-crafted job posting should provide clear guidance on the keywords to integrate into your inside sales representative resume. The key is to scrutinize the job description and compile a list of pivotal keywords.

For instance, if the job description for the inside sales representative role you’re pursuing asks for customer service experience, strong telephone skills and five years of experience with inside sales, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your inside sales representative resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure that what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so the ATS recognizes it.

It might seem like a meticulous process, but once you become accustomed to it, it will only take a few minutes and yield better results for your inside sales representative resume compared to a generic one.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your inside sales representative resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. This first section is your resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights in just a few sentences.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience in an inside sales representative role should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Let’s look at how each of these would appear on an inside sales representative resume.

Inside sales representative professional summary example:

Results-driven Inside Sales Representative with eight years of proven success in driving revenue growth and exceeding sales targets. Adept at building and maintaining strong client relationships through exceptional communication and negotiation skills. Expertise in identifying client needs and tailoring solutions to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Demonstrated ability to consistently achieve a 20% increase in sales revenue year over year. Proficient in CRM systems and skilled in utilizing data-driven insights to optimize sales strategies. Known for a consultative approach, strong problem-solving abilities and a track record of consistently surpassing quotas.

Inside sales representative resume objective example:

Motivated and results-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a successful internship in sales. Eager to leverage theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to excel as an Inside Sales Representative. Possesses exceptional communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills honed through coursework and practical applications. Proven ability to adapt quickly, build rapport with clients and contribute effectively within team environments. Ready to contribute to driving revenue growth and exceeding sales targets in a dynamic sales role.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant inside sales representative skills

Whether you’re highly experienced or trying to get your first role, recruiters will be looking closely at the sales skills you list. Adding skills for an inside sales representative resume isn’t limited to the skills section alone, but should also be peppered into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

When thinking about which skills to list, it’s critical that you provide employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable skills needed to perform a job, like data analytics. Soft skills, like communication, are behaviors and personality traits, which make them difficult to measure.

To see the difference between the two, here’s a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills usually found in the skills section of an inside sales representative resume.

Key skills for an inside sales resume

Hard Skills

Data analytics
Sales strategy
CRM software
Product knowledge
Market analysis

Soft Skills

Communication
Relationship-building
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Team collaboration

Here is an example of a strong inside sales representative skills section:

Proficient in strategic planning and execution of key accounts.
Expertise in managing client relationships and expanding revenue.
Exceptional communication, collaboration and customer service skills.
Proficient in using CRM software and data analysis for account management.
Competent in cross-selling and upselling strategies.
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Pro tip

When writing your skills section, adding computer skills and other technical abilities are great. However, in sales, soft skills count just as much. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you’re a well balanced applicant who has both the technical skills and personality to succeed in the role.

Step 4

Write a strong inside sales representative work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each sales role you apply for, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Consider your experience as an inside sales representative in terms of projects that pushed your abilities, hurdles you successfully navigated and notable achievements you’ve celebrated throughout your career. Framing your work history in this way highlights the concrete impact you’ve had, moving beyond mere job responsibilities. This approach demonstrates your effectiveness and contributions as an inside sales professional.

Sample inside sales representative work history entry:

Inside Sales Representative, MedTec Medical Supply – New York, NY

March 2019 – December 2022

Spearheaded the sales efforts for a range of cutting-edge medical equipment, consistently surpassing monthly revenue targets by an average of 30%.
Conducted comprehensive product demonstrations and training sessions, resulting in a 25% increase in customer adoption and satisfaction.
Collaborated closely with the product development team to provide valuable market insights, leading to the successful launch of two new product lines.
Managed a high-volume pipeline of health care providers, maintaining a conversion rate of 45% and generating over $2.5 million in annual sales.
Developed and nurtured long-term client relationships, resulting in a 90% customer retention rate and numerous referrals.

Pro tip

Make your inside sales representative credentials memorable by using action words, numerical data and metrics to describe your specific experience, achievements and impact, capturing the recruiter’s attention.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training

To be hired as an inside sales representative, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree and relevant certifications or special training.

How to list your education:

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University of California, San Francisco, CA

CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)

Pro tip

Unless you are a very recent graduate — within the last two years — don’t add your dates of graduation. Doing so could reveal your age and introduce bias into the hiring process.

Optional sections for your inside sales representative resume

Certifications

Obtaining certifications highlights your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in your field. While you can list these with your education, it’s best to put them under their own section, especially if you have multiple certifications.

How to list certifications on your resume:

Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)
Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)
Certified Sales Executive (CSE)
Salesforce Certified Professional

Awards and honors

Adding honors and awards to your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Sales is all about numbers and volume, so including awards for exceptional salesmanship or customer service can give your resume a big boost by showing the employer you are truly dedicated to your field and capable of making significant contributions to their organization.

How to showcase awards and honors on your resume:

Sales Achievement Award 2022
Customer Service Excellence Award 2019

Languages

In sales, communication is critical to success. Being multilingual expands your communication abilities, giving you the ability to effectively interact with a wider range of people. It can also open up international sales opportunities.
Ultimately, all else being equal, if a job opening comes down to two candidates and one of them lists multiple languages on their resume, the multilingual candidate will be more attractive to the employer.

How to showcase languages on your resume:

Fluent in English and Chinese
Proficient in Spanish

Add a cover letter

Cover letter example inside sales representative

Create your cover letter

Adding an inside sales representative cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Use the extra space to expand upon details in your resume, add context to any employment gaps or changes and show enthusiasm for the role. To learn how to write a cover letter for an inside sales representative job effectively, start by studying our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your inside sales representative resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity

Tailor your inside sales resume to align with the specific requirements of each job ad to which you apply, making note of the critical skills and experience outlined in the job description.
Select the appropriate resume format

Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your inside sales representative resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Choose an appropriate resume template

If you’re applying for a job at a conservative company, you’ll want to choose a conservative resume design. For less traditional work environments, your resume template can be more colorful and creative.
Follow our steps for a standout resume

Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Include both hard and soft skills

Being an inside sales representative requires technical skills and very strong interpersonal skills as well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine

Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Go the extra mile

Including a well-written inside sales representative cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so consider adding one to give your resume its best shot.

Frequently asked question about resume writing

Last Updated: September 20, 2023

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Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.